The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Federal Capital Territory chapter, has revealed that the poultry sector contributes over 25 percent to Nigeria’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its pivotal role in the nation’s food economy. This assertion was made during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, marking the 2025 edition of World Egg Day.
Celebrated annually on the second Friday of October, World Egg Day aims to spotlight the nutritional and economic significance of eggs. This year’s theme, “Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition,” emphasizes the egg’s value as a compact source of essential nutrients and a driver of agricultural prosperity.
Mr. Bello Ibrahim, a board member of PAN’s FCT chapter, highlighted the sector’s dual impact—economic and social. He noted that poultry farming provides livelihoods for more than 25 million Nigerians, representing nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. This employment spans both direct and indirect roles, from farm operations to distribution and retail.
Ibrahim further stated that Nigeria leads Africa in egg production, generating over 650 million tonnes annually. This achievement, he said, reflects the resilience and scale of the industry, despite persistent challenges faced by producers, particularly smallholder farmers who constitute over 60 percent of the sector.
He lamented the high cost of feed and day-old chicks, limited access to financing, and insufficient government support as major obstacles hindering growth. While recent federal policies have reduced maize prices—a key ingredient in poultry feed—the benefits have yet to trickle down to small-scale farmers due to structural inefficiencies.
“For a farmer to benefit from lower maize prices, they need at least 8,000 layers to produce their own feed,” Ibrahim explained. “This is unattainable for most producers in the FCT, who dominate the poultry landscape but lack the scale to manufacture feed independently.” He added that large-scale operators, with access to cheaper inputs, continue to dictate market prices, leaving smaller farmers at a disadvantage.
Ibrahim stressed that aligning feed costs with current market realities would significantly reduce production expenses for smallholders and ultimately lower egg prices for consumers. He called for targeted government interventions to bridge the gap and ensure equitable growth across the poultry value chain.
Speaking on the significance of World Egg Day, Ibrahim described eggs as the most affordable source of protein in Nigeria. “In today’s economic climate, an egg costs between N150 and N200, making it accessible to most households,” he said. He urged stakeholders to leverage the day to promote egg consumption and support the industry.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Chima Wilson, former chairman of PAN’s FCT chapter, emphasized the egg’s nutritional potency. “Though small in size, eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, E, and B-complex—nutrients essential for maintaining good health,” Wilson said. He called on government agencies to provide grants, credit facilities, and market access to poultry farmers, including purchasing eggs for use in schools and vulnerable communities. He also advocated for tax incentives to sustain the industry and bolster national food security.
